Working Group to Examine Issues Raised in Grand Jury Report

(Woodland, CA) – Yolo County Sheriff-Coroner Ed Prieto and the Yolo County Board of Supervisors have announced a path forward to assess the items of concern identified in the recent Yolo County Grand Jury report concerning the internal operations of the Yolo County Sheriff's Office.

Woodland Mayor Skip Davies, whose term ends July 2, has agreed to chair an independent working group charged with completing an evaluation of the issues identified in the grand jury report, and to make recommendations where appropriate to improve the operational environment within the Sheriff's department. Sheriff Prieto has encouraged representatives of the five labor organizations that serve the department to actively participate with Mayor Davies in the working group. The Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff recognize and appreciate Mayor Davies willingness to assist in this effort.

The Board of Supervisors and Sheriff Prieto look forward to working with Mayor Davies in the coming weeks to identify the scope and methodologies for the working group. Areas of analysis are expected to include the issues raised in the grand jury report, plus a comprehensive look at the workplace climate, hiring processes, current training practices and employee evaluation processes.

“It is important to me not only that the issues raised by the grand jury be fully analyzed, but also that all of the employees within the Sheriff's department be provided an opportunity to be heard,” said Yolo County Sheriff-Coroner Ed Prieto. “I fully support this effort and believe it will enhance my personal commitment and the department's commitment to excellence and the performance of our duties with increased professionalism and integrity.”

The Board of Supervisors and Sheriff take these issues very seriously. “The Board of Supervisors is encouraged by the Sheriff's support of a comprehensive evaluation,” said Yolo Board of Supervisors Chair Don Saylor. “A safe and supportive work environment for all county employees is very important to the board, and any effort to strengthen that foundation is a step in the right direction.”